I used to carry an arrow rake all the time, but over time I used it less and less. I'd like to think that's because I'm a better shot now than I used to be, but the truth probably has more to do with taking less daring shots than I used to. Anyway, I stopped carrying one a year or so ago.
But I still lose arrows from time to time, particularly in the high weeds. I lost one that way this morning that I didn't expect to lose, and it got me to thinking about why I stopped carrying an arrow rake. It basically comes down to the hook being awkward and catching on things. So I thought about how I could eliminate that problem, and this is what I came up with:
Basically, all you need is a 5-6" length of 8x32 threaded steel rod. Bend it to form a right angle 1 1/2" or so from the end, being careful not to booger up the threads on the short part.
That's it! Just find an old shaft, the stiffer and fatter the better, that has an insert glued in for a screw-in field point, and stick it in your quiver. Find a spare pocket to hold the bent threaded rod. It takes about 5 seconds to assemble the thing when you need to use it, assuming you haven't lost the bent threaded rod. The next time I go shooting I will come armed with this thing and maybe I'll find my lost arrow from this morning.
With the cost of arrows these days that thing will pay for itself with the first arrow recovered. Good tip!
(pun intended)
That's a great idea Dave!!! I've carried an arrow rake in my back quiver at 3-D shoots for many years.
Bought one years ago. Frist time I showed up at a 3D shoot with it my friends gave me a hard time about it. Couple of 3D shoots later I never heard any flack about it. Sometimes folks even ask if I have it my quiver. It's paid for itself many times over.